On 12 February 2016 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia published the regular A WEEK IN THE HORN magazine outlining the New Tourism Strategy of the country.​As Ethiopia is the elected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015, European Journal of Tourism and Trade is presenting for the world readers the main outlines of this ambitious program:

Tourism in Ethiopia currently generates about US$2.9 billion annually, close to a million jobs and about 4.5% of GDP.

Last financial year, 770,000 tourists visited Ethiopia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism hopes to increase this to one million, and the revenue earned to well over US$3billion by the end of this Ethiopian budget year, by July 2016. To attain this the Ministry has identified five main focus areas for the GTP 2 agenda.

These are: natural and cultural heritage conservation and development; culture and tourism products marketing; service excellence; improve culture and tourism research and information systems; and enhance cooperation and collaboration with development partners.

Based on these focus areas, the Ministry now has clearly defined goals for the next five years.

Ethiopia‘s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Aisha Mohammed Mussa, recently explained some of the details behind the extra impetus the Government is adding to the development and promotion of the tourism sector in order to achieve and indeed surpass the ambitious growth targets it has set for 2020, the end of the Growth and Transformation Plan.

Indeed, she hopes that these aims can be exceeded if tourist sites can be developed quickly enough and promoted accordingly. She admits to being very ambitious in her vision.

The Government‘s interest in the sector has been underlined by the drawing up of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan; by the revitalization of the Ethiopian Tourism Organization, to concentrate mainly on destination marketing and promotion, as well as destination development in terms of service, quality and access; and by setting up of the Ethiopian Tourism Transformation Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. Ms. Aisha pointed out the Ministry was now working on different websites to promote Ethiopia as a favorite tourist destination.

It was also working on changing the tourism brand and trying to build a completely new communications‘ campaign. This is going to be launched before March.

Minister Aisha is quite clear about the immense natural, cultural, and historical attractions of Ethiopia. It has eleven registered world heritage sites by UNESCO, with most recently the Konso Cultural Landscape, Meskel Demera Festivities and Fiche-Chambelala, the Sidama people‘s New Year celebrations, being added to the list.

It is also the home of Erta Ale, a unique active lava lake, in the beautiful Danakil Depression, in part below sea level and the hottest place on Earth. It has beautiful scenery including the Simien Mountains, a spectacular chain of mountains that are sometimes called ―the roof of Africa.

There are extensive national archives and a national library with rare and beautiful manuscripts. Ethiopia has its own unique calendar and alphabet. In addition, it has more than 80 nations and nationalities and peoples, all with their own distinct cultures and amazing traditions. On top of this, the Minister underlines, Ethiopia also has dependable peace and stability. Never colonized, it remains a symbol of independence for many in Africa and other continents. Addis Ababa, of course, is the seat of a number of international organizations including the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and more than 100 embassies. Conference tourism is another area of growth potential.

This entire heritage and the associated potential for tourism are at the centre of Ethiopia‘s plan to quadruple the number of foreign visitors by 2020.

The Minister emphasizes that the new strategy of tourism is a central part of the Government‘s integrated development plans. As the number of visitors increases, the demand for developed infrastructure also increases. Ethiopia has immense and untapped natural resources, a competitive labor force and stability.

These attributes make it a major investment destination in Africa, and this creates many opportunities for the tourism sector. Ethiopia‘s tourist destination sites used to be inaccessible due to inadequate road and air infrastructure, lack of power infrastructure and other facilities. In the past 10 years, the Government has carried out large-scale investments in the construction of airports, road, and railway and the energy sector; she added ―power infrastructure is our top priority so as to support this growing economy and we are doing well in this regard.

Overall, infrastructure development remains one of country‘s top priorities. Now, the Minister said, the Government is investing a lot into these areas. Tourists are accessing these destinations more easily and, equally, investors are keen to invest in building lodges, hotels and restaurants at the tourist sites or operate as tour operators.

Potential investors can take advantage of these opportunities through direct investment or joint ventures with local partners.

Tourism opportunities exist in the construction of star-rated hotels, lodges and resorts, international and specialized restaurants. The return of investment for government and the private sector is growing. The new strategy focuses on coordinating and communicating the many stakeholders at both the national and sub-national levels effectively in order to improve Ethiopia‘s image, market presence and penetration.

Along with this, another priority is education to provide the necessary human resources to work efficiently in the hospitality sector.

The Minister underlined the importance of providing market-oriented training for young people who want to work in hospitality, invest in the expansion of employment and proper professional training, to encourage entrepreneurship among young people, including women.

All this, she said, had to go along more generally with ensuring good governance and democracy in order to use this young workforce most effectively. Also important is minimizing the rate of corruption, ensuring the rule of law, accountability and integrity among stakeholders.

All these factors would contribute to the country‘s growing economy. One element behind this is, of course, the Government‘s strong commitment to end poverty.

Another is the development of clear and appropriate government policies and strategies for each and every sector that is leading us to the eradication of poverty.

The Government also works hard for mutual cooperation and win-win collaboration with partners in every sector.

The tourism sector has benefited greatly from the stable political arena over the past two decades giving Ethiopia some competitive advantage over other countries. It also works hard to maintain peace and security with neighbors. All in all, it provides a conducive environment for the tourism sector.

The Ministry is now planning to have a new brand and a new slogan to communicate Ethiopia‘s attractiveness and uniqueness more fully to the rest of the world.

It is developing new websites, software and mobile apps to promote Ethiopia. It is participating in different worldwide trade fairs in order to expand promotion and get better market access to tourism products. Equally, ―the current stress is on destination development and service excellence in order to sustain current and future customer relationships.

During the last Growth and Transformation Plan (2010-2014) the Ministry assessed nearly 400 hotels in collaboration with UNWTO, and in Addis Ababa alone 68 hotels were awarded with stars from 1 to 5. It is also encouraging the diversification of the tourism product offering to include nature-based tourist elements, such as mountain climbing, river tracking, bird watching, and similar areas.

The country has ample resources in all these areas.

Whether the Ministry achieves the longer-term aims, revenue and tourist numbers are already both up this year.

The country‘s image is continuing to improve as indeed the international media has noted.

Last year, Ethiopia was named World Best Tourism Destination‘ by the representatives of the 28 countries on the General Assembly of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT).

The judges noted that the Simien Mountains showed the potential for national parks and offered a model of achieving ecological tourism that should be recognized throughout the world. They described Ethiopia as perfect for safari and adventure tourism, providing safety and peace, making the country one of the world‘s top adventure destinations.

ECTT President, Professor Anton Caragea_, said ―the Government of Ethiopia is recognizing the importance of tourism as a key facilitator for the country‘s development, investing in infrastructure, creating a special team under the Prime Minister‘s leadership for destination promotion and management and protecting the cultural, natural and historical patrimony of the country.

He said the community-based approach, promoted by the Prime Minister was the perfect way of sharing revenue, increasing incomes and supporting marginal and rural community development. ―Ethiopia, he said, ― is a perfect, safe and outstanding place to visit, and all world tourism experts have expressed their confidence in the future of tourism in Ethiopia.

Dr Ray Muntida, Advisor to IGAD‘s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the region, believes that if Ethiopia fully implements its Sustainable Tourism Master Plan by 2020, it really can become one of the five leading tourist destinations in Africa. Minister of Culture and Tourism, Aisha Mohammed, agrees.

The collection at the national museum is as varied as it is large; visitors have the opportunity to see fossilised remains of early humans, regalia and other memorabilia from former Ethiopian rulers, traditional and ceremonial costumes, modern paintings and sculptures and pre-Axumite findings.

No other museum succeeded in making on the list of WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUMS in 2015, but ETHIOPIA NATIONAL MUSEUM form Addis Ababa made it.

The Ethiopia National Museum made it on the list of WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM on the account of garnering the most relevant artefacts of the incredible history of Ethiopia.

The Museum is having in his exhibitions an outstanding treasure of crowns and objects pertaining to the long list of emperors of Ethiopia, coronation artefacts, imperial insignia and memorabilia.

The museum has also prided himself with impressive collections of weaponry, agricultural and everyday life objects from all the national groups and minorities from the territory of today Ethiopia, this makes it one of the largest ethnographic collection in the world and spawning for two millennia.

Of course, the crowning jewels of the permanent exhibitions at the Ethiopian National Museum are the outstandingly preserved bodies of Lucy and Salem (the oldest human remains in the world).

If Ethiopia is proudly named the “cradle of the civilisation” and “the place where it all begins” than a visit to the WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM-the place where the forefathers of humanity are placed is a must for any human being.

Ambassador Tiberius Puiu noted that according to President Anton Caragea visit and subsequent analyses Ethiopia tourism potential of 20 million tourist per year is fully substantiated .

Ambassador Puiu remarked that: President of the Council, Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, said during his visit: Ethiopia deserves the recognition conferred on it as the best tourist destination. “You should promote your country to the international community to erase the drought and famine image that some media posted on your country in the past. If this happens, Ethiopia can raise its number of visitors to 20 million over the coming 10 years,” President Anton Caragea said.

The Minister announced that Ethiopia has set target to secure seven billion USD revenues from tourism at the end of the second five-year Growth and Transformation Plan Period (GTP).The plan is to increase the revenue the nation collected from foreign tourists at the end of the first GTP, the just concluded Ethiopian fiscal year, by threefold, Amin Abdulkadir Minister of Tourism said.

Opening new destination for tourists, expanding infrastructure networks and promoting tourist destinations are among the few things to be done in order to meet the target, he said.Amin said, the government has taken a lesson over the past five years that tourism can be a huge source of revenue for the nation and a major instrument to eradicate poverty as today ethiopian tourism sector employs 700,000 people.The Minister of Culture and Tourism evaluated also the hotels in Addis Ababa in a larger project to evaluate more than 400 hotels across Ethiopia.

Thirty-eight hotels in Addis Ababa awarded five to one star, in the rating underway for the past few months.Accordingly, the classification was made based on 12 international criteria. Bedrooms, bath and rest rooms, guest rooms, restaurants, kitchen, sustainability of hotel service, security and employ treatment, are amongst the reasons.

On 10 July 2015, on a special ceremony, in the presence of European Council on Tourism and Trade President, the Government of Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Director of European Tourism Academy, ambassadors accredited to the country and representatives of different international organization, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of Ethiopia received the Romanian Parliament Medal for his outstanding merits in international diplomacy and in obtaining for his country the accolade of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and the sobriquet of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION.

The Romanian Parliament Medal was entrusted to the leader of Ethiopia for his record in promoting peace and international cooperation by tourism promotion, fostering development in his country and promoting Ethiopia as a world leader in tourism, culture and heritage protection.

The Romanian Parliament Medal was offered to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia in a public ceremony by Hon. Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei, Secretary of National Defense and Public Order Committee of Romania and Economic, Industry and Services Committee member of Romanian Parliament.

We must also mention that senator Ionel Agrigoroaei was elected in 2013 and 2014 as leader of activity of Romanian Parliament for his profusely activity on parliament arena.

The latest world international personality, receiver of Romanian Parliament Medal was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan-H.E. Erlan Idrissov for his role in promoting free and fair international election monitoring into his country, the proposal and the final decision was taken by European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Friendly dialogue between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade -Professor Dr. Anton Caragea participated in a dialogue and friendly consultation session, with State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia-Berhane Gebre Christos, during the President official visit to Addis Ababa.Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined that keeping the intense pace of this dialogue was a priority and declared that it would further enhance the bilateral relationship, including by identifying new cooperation opportunities.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined the consistency of economic cooperation, supported by the dynamic presence of European companies in Ethiopia and by the increasing trade between the two countries and our mission is to provide all the support they need to have opportunities for increased investment and business”, emphasized Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

In his turn, Ethiopian Minister appreciated the dynamics of bilateral cultural and economic relations.

Minister Berhane Gebre Christos recalled the very important role of the European lobby for his country in international organizations and for Ethiopia being nominated as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015, an action that will have a significant contribution to his country’s economic development.

“I thanked Professor Dr. Anton Caragea for the support that the European personalities provide for the Ethiopian world stage profile and for supporting my countries initiative in the world of tourism”, stated Berhane Gebre Christos.

The Ethiopian official also thanked President Dr. Anton Caragea for its constant and sustained support that it provides Ethiopia for the latter’s accession to the tourism structures, World Best Tourist Destination and World Capital of Culture and Tourism international competitions and expressed confidence that President Dr. Anton Caragea would further support Ethiopia, in view of a positive decision in this file for World Capital of Culture and Tourism nomination.

In this context, he congratulated President Dr. Anton Caragea for the successful mandate and his Chairmanship of the Tourism and Trade Council.During the talks, the two personalities extensively exchanged views on the current developments in Africa and Europe, particularly in the context of the Somali crisis and the issue of migration.There was also an exchange of views on matters of interest on the international agenda, economic cooperation, cultural and diplomatic strengthening of ties.

Minister of Culture and Tourism-Amin Abdulkadir, Prime Minister and European Academician-Hailemariam Desalegn and European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea (from right to left)-Presiding of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 ceremony.

During the official visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade Delegation to Ethiopia, World Best Tourist Destination for 2015, the official meeting between HE. ECTT President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia-Amin Abdulkadir has taken place.On 9th of July 2015, H. E. Minister Amin Abdulkadir has welcomed the European high ranking officials at their arrival on Ethiopian soil.The minister express his country appreciation for European support, in electing Ethiopia as World Best Tourist Destination and Favourite Cultural Destination for 2015, a moment that will mark the full maturity of Ethiopian tourism industry.Amin Abdulkadir-Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia presented with the promotion T-shirt for summer 2015 marking Ethiopia as World Best Tourism Destination for 2015.

European Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, graciously acknowledged the warm welcoming and stated that: now Ethiopia has emerged as the most rapidly developing African country, one of the world top level economic powers and a symbol of African development.I am pleased and honoured to be in Ethiopia-the Center of African tourism, concluded President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia, Amin Abdulkadir and H.E. ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, discussed a long term agreement of support and cooperation envisaging: holding of conferences, exhibitions, promotion activities and decided to concentrate in electing in 2016 a World Capital of Culture and Tourism from Ethiopia, in order to create a two-three years long campaign for Ethiopia-the land chosen by God!

Minister of Culture and Tourism-Ato Amin Abdulkadir presents Lucy-the oldest hominide to European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Dr. Anton Caragea and Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.

The two officials reviewed the progress in the bilateral relations, insisting on economic cooperation and trade.

They expressed their firm belief that additional joint effort and intensified bilateral political contacts could boost the economic exchanges and help map out new investment and business projects of mutual interest.

The Professor Dr. Anton Caragea urged Ethiopian business personalities to visit Europe and identify opportunities for economic cooperation.Moreover, he underscored that a rise in commercial exchanges could also be determined through the good offices of an European -Ethiopian Business Council.

He also assured the Ethiopian side that business people across Europe are aware of the huge Ethiopian market’s potential (with around 90 million`s consumers), given the wealth of natural resources, the strategic geographical position and this year’s positive democratic and economic developments.

Yaekob Yalla-Minister of Trade of Ethiopia receive European insignia from European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

First of all I would like to express my heart felt gratitude on behalf of the city administration and the people of Gondar for adjusting your precious time for visiting this city which is the center of marvelous culture and heritage.

Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiledes.Starting this time on wards in became the center of modern architecture.

As a result the first and the largest castle was built by the name of king Fasileded – “Fasil Castle”.Different castles and churches were built accompanied the grandest castle within an area of 70,000 meter square.The birth of such a modern architecture and start of urbanization enabled Gondar to be the center of arts, Orthodox Church education, crafts man ship, trade and exchange which stepped up Gondar in to a ladder to become and serve as a capital city of Ethiopia for more than 200 years.

Gondar the home of a world heritage site since 1978 is 748 kilometers away to the North West direction from the capital city Addis Ababa.Many of Ethiopian’s impressive tourist sites are within a few hours drive.

Bahr Dar, the Island monasteries of Lake Tana and the spectacular Blue Nile falls are within 180 kms to the South Gondar.

The Semien Mountains National Park ( a world heritage site ) with its breath taking scenery and rare and endemic wild life is of only 140 kms to the north of Gondar.Its altitude ranges from 1900-4620 meters above sea levels it is the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth largest mountain in Africa.Besides Gondar has an easy asphalted road network access to both Lalibela ( the most striking feature and world heritage site ) to the west, Axum ( the world heritage site ) to the north and Gedarif ( the Sudanese city ) to the east respectively currently Gondar has a population of about 368,435 and hence I warmly want to say welcome !

Obviously the current global experience witnesses that tourism is growing to the extent of becoming one of the world’s largest economic sectors.

Its role is so significant in improving gross income and production and in stimulating various economic activities ,creating more employment opportunities and reducing poverty in addition tourism development undoubtedly paves the situation for the development of investment , trade and exchange .

Having this in mind , we are required to guide our strategic and operational plans in a way that help us to maximize our benefit from the sector ; and simultaneously we are also required to work hard to improve and develop the necessary infrastructure, related facilities and addressing the needs of tourists.

So , we hope !

Planned and controlled expansion and growth of tourism will be achievable through enhancing and maintaining common interest and partnerships.Wish you a pleasant stay in Gondar.

28 countries representatives analyzed the candidatures for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015

There was a great sense of pride across the African continent after the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) decision to presented ETHIOPIA with the world tourism award for ‘World's Best Tourist Destination for 2015.

Ethiopia was also recognized as a FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION by the world council another accolade that reveals the great achievements and potential of Ethiopia in terms of tourism development and all it has to offer in terms of its rich history, culture, traditions and natural beauty.On the debate for the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) presented a report titled: ETHIOPIA : THE PERFECT CULTURAL DESTINATION; THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD !He proposed ETHIOPIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2015.The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 PRIZE to ETHIOPIA:• The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: ruins of the city of Aksum- the heart of ancient Ethiopia, Fasil Ghebbi- the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17th century, Harar Jugol- 82 mosques, 102 shrines, and unique interior design in the townhouses, Lalibela- holy site encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches from the 13th century, Konso Cultural Landscape (containing 55 kilometers of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements), Lower Valley of the Awash-where humanity made his first steps and where was found the Eva of all mankind-Lucy fossil’s, Lower Valley of the Omo also containing fragments pertaining to early humanity development and the fossils of Homo Gracilis.All this sites where recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.

• The rich cultural and historical legacy of Ethiopia is not confined to the previous presented list: new prominent landmarks are added such as: Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural and Historical Site, Melka Kunture- Paleolithic site in the upper Awash Valley, Gedeo Cultural and Natural Landscape, Bale Mountains National Park, Sof Omar Cave- the longest cave in Ethiopia at 15.1 kilometres long; and the longest system of caves in Africa-sacred for Islam and for local Oromo population.

In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Ethiopia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of Simien National Park garnering mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices dropping about 1,500 m.

• The ambitious plan drafted by the Government of Ethiopia under the name of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Tourism as a tool for poverty eradication, for local community development and for economic independence is a successful strategy carved by H.E. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Community based, social oriented tourism, promoted by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development.The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, providing benefits to communities, makes social-friendly tourism, the lesson that today-the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is offering to the world.• Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places.All these regions and national parks, are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

• The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Republic of ETHIOPIA , the transformation of Lalibela into a historical and spiritual centre, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of ETHIOPIA.Lalibela is the land of faith and miracles that must be presented to the world as a center of religious and faith significance equal to Jerusalem only in the world.

Lalibela must be the center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air.

• The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia, the Gondar cultural complex , an ample palatial complex from the 13th Century, offering a pungent presence of one of the African greatest empire.• Today, Gondar castle complex offers tourists bound for Ethiopia an open air museum with a rare collection of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

Gondar an open air museum of rare beauty

Amazing Lalibela a city that conquered the European imagination for centuries

• The REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is also a perfect center for safari and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure destinations.• Keeping alive community blending traditions, allows tourists and visitors to be part of the ETHIOPIA unique people’s ethnic fabric, which offers the possibility for an enriching cultural experience, are all achievements that make the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA a perfect cultural class destination.

Mr. Mihai Prundianu, Chairman of the Trade Mission of the ECTT, marked the necessity that, out of the regular order, to have another African country declared as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION in sign of continuity for last year and as appreciation mark forPresident Robert Gabriel Mugabe , the current President of African Union and Zimbabwe Tourism Minister-Walter Mzembi.

It is appropriate for Europe to express its commitment to, and appreciation for, Africa by crowning ETHIOPIA as THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION AND WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 stated Chairman Mihai Prundianu.

Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, Director of European Parliamentary Committee in the European Council on Tourism and Trade and Senator of Romanian Parliament stated the opinion of all present at ECTT conference and declared that the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA is the deserving candidate, with a perfect record of promoting social-friendly tourism, ecological and poverty reduction strategy based on tourism, and asking for a unanimous vote in favor of the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA.

President Dr. Anton Caragea declared REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015

President Dr. Anton Caragea asked for a vote and European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 TITLE TO REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA and to declare REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA- THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2015.The meeting was also presented with the Official Invitation, from the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of the REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA via the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Amin Abdulkadir, for a delegation of high ranking officials of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Addis Ababa, in person, to His Excellency Prime Minister of REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA- HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN, European Academician and outstanding personality in world tourism, today.

Concluding the debate, Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade marked the importance of the moment the most impressive world tourism prize was entrusted to ETHIOPIA.

The safety of the country and the huge hospitality potential of Ethiopia is revealed by the acceptance of the invitation for a familiarization visit of high ranking members of European Council on Tourism and Trade to the ETHIOPIA.

Ethiopia is from today a perfect, safe and outstanding place to visit, the countries gates are opened and all world tourism experts expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in ETHIOPIA, concluded Professor Anton Caragea, President of the European Council on Tourism and Trade.

H.E. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn has being consecrated as a WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM and as a member of European Tourism Academy.The Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade announced that H.E. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn has being consecrated as a WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM and as a member of European Tourism Academy for his “recognition of the role and significance of tourism on world stage”.Here is the integral message addressed by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-ECTT President and Academician Mircea Constantinescu in congratulation for Ethiopia`s tourism achievments.

We have the pleasure of informing you that: in unanimity, the Academic Board of the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has elected you as a honorary member of EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY, in your capacity as a WORLD LEADER OF TOURISM for your recognition of the role and significance of tourism on world stage.In XXI century Tourism had become more than an industry, more than an integral part of the life of billions of people, tourism had become an intricate part of the countries international image, had become a part of diplomatic life and a public opinion key factor.

Tourism, Travel, Trade and Investments are interconnected and are uniting today`s countries, not only in a globalized world and unified market, but are making every person in the world to have two countries: the one of his birth and the one of his choose.The world recognizes that Trade, Travel and Tourism are part of the international life and each and every one of our citizens became a world ambassador and a central actor on world stage.No country, interested in development, international recognition, economic growth and a prosperous life for his citizens, can remove herself from the international tourism and trade arena.Trade and Tourism are the key pillars for countries and billions of people, worldwide, in their efforts to achieve fully their live potential.

General Assembly of European Council on Tourism and Trade selects ETHIOPIA as winner of FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION and World Best Tourist Destination in 2015.

European Council on Tourism and Trade, as a driving force in the international promotion of tourism as a tool for development and international cooperation, is selecting the world leaders to become a part of his structure and to raise a unified voice and position on the global tourism agenda.Today, the Government of Ethiopia is recognizing the importance of tourism as a key facilitator for the country development and international promotion, creating exemplary structures like Tourism Transformation Council, investing in infrastructure and capacity building, creating a special team under Your Excellency leadership for destination promotion and management and protecting the cultural, natural and historical patrimony of the country.The world leaders that are offering such a special attention to historical patrimony of their country and use it, and preserve it for the benefit of the future generation, who grasp the importance of tourism as the most important part of diplomacy, international relations and raising national profile on world arena, must be supported and commanded and offered as a general example.

Your Excellency stated that your “aims are to build on Ethiopia’s natural, historical and cultural resources to strengthen the tourism sector, identify pressing value-chain gaps and intervening to allay these gaps based on tangible and scientific studies jointly with the private sector and the international tourism community.Together, we will work hand in hand to make tourism one of the leading economic sectors of our country and Ethiopia a top destination in Africa”This statement and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the2015- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition and be accepted as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for your rich past and cultural prowess.This is a momentous achievement for ETHIOPIA that is due to your exertions. Your Excellency,In your new capacity, as the representative of ETHIOPIA on world tourism and on international cultural stage, we hope that the World will benefit now from your public exertions and support in creating a new world community based on peace, development and tourism as the pillars of international cooperation.

Author

European Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 TITLE TO REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA and to declare REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA- THE FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION in 2015.